Advertising or display device



July 13, 1943. R. F. wHARToN 2,324,343

ADVERTISING OR DISPLAY DEVICE Filed May 2e, 1941 2 sheets-sheet 1 4 lfq l lr @2 l i l\ :L

zo j [I J ff a July 13, 1943. R. F. wHAR'roN ADVERTISING -0R DISPLAY DEVICE 2 'sheets-sheet z `Filed May 26, 1941 Patented July 13, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ADVERTISING OR DISPLAY DEVICE Russell F. Wharton, Rockford, Ill.

Application May 26, 1941, Serial No. 395,141

Claims.

This invention relates to an improved advertising or display device.

Start and stop devices are preferred in the advertising field because they tend to attract attention. Such devices that have an irregular motion and especially those that rarely, if ever, repeat the same motion while viewed by the passer-by are preferable to the ordinary start and stop devices, because of the extent to which they arouse curiosity and the fact that if one or more passers-by are intrigued su'iciently to stop and study the device, the curiosity of others who might otherwise not notice is thereby aroused and the advertising value of the device is therefore multiplied. It is, therefore, the principal object of my invention to provide a device of the kind mentioned in which the movable platform has a virtually innitely variable movement, all within the relatively small compass of a larger base or support.

The salient feature of my invention is the provision of a revolving arm, movable in a horizontal plane over the base, and working in a cam-shaped recess provided therefor in the bottom of the movable platform for sliding Contact with one or another portion of the cam surface to communicate movement to the platform in arcs of different radii in ever changing'sequence.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device involving the combination described, in which the platform actuating arm is pivoted on a rotating driven member and has spring means restraining its pivotal movement in one direction. In that way, load is gradually applied to the driving means as the spring is loaded, and abrupt movements of the platform are avoided.

Still another object of the invention consists in the provision of means for positively limiting the movement of the platform radially in any direction relative to the central drive means, whereby to enable use of a base of smaller radius without danger of the movable platform losing its equilibrium in an extreme position where it may project to some extent off the base.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view on a small scale of an advertising or display device made in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the lower portion of said device, taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section similar to Fig. 2 but showing a modied or alternative construction, this view being taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 5, and

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Similar reference numerals are applied to corresponding parts throughout the views.

Referring rst to Figs. 1 to 3, the reference numeral 6 designates a manikin or iigurine, representing a French chef, with a pointer 1, by means of which attention is directed first to one and then another of a variety of things on display in a bakery window, for example, as the platform B carrying the iigure moves around on the base 9, the figure facing first in one direction and then in another-as the plat-form moves, stopping rst here, then there. The interval between movements changes, and also the distance of movement, and the radius of movement, in an ever changing sequence, as will soon appear. This kind of operation is particularly advantageous, not so much because of the starting and stopping as the uncertainty as to the extent and duration of each successive movement that particularly arouses curiosity of passers-by, and the advertising value of the device is therefore increased far beyond that of devices which start and stop in a regular monotonous sequence. As will soon appear, the interest in the device can be further increased by introducing apparent risk of the movable platform carrying the display running off the base in its haphazard movements, although provision is made by concealed means for positively preventing movement of the platform beyond a predetermined radius with respect to the center of the supporting base.

The hollow cylindrical base 9 encloses a standard I0 on which a small electric motor II is carried. A worm I2 on the armature shaft of this motor meshes with a gear I3 on one end of an intermediate shaft mounted in a bearing I4 on the standard I0. Another worm I5 on the other end of the intermediate shaft meshes with a large gear I6 attached to the driven shaft I1 suitably supported in bearings on the standard IB, whereby an arm I8 that is suitably threaded in the end ofthe shaft I1, as indicated at I9, is arranged to be revolved slowly in a horizontal plane with respect to the top of the base 9. A central opening 20 is provided in the top of the base, through which the bent inner end 2| of the arm I8 extends for connection with the driven shaft I'I of the drive mechanism. The base 9 preferably has a mirror top 22, and the platform 8 preferably has a mirror top 23. Narrow mirror strips 24 and 25 are vertically disposed, side by side, in the side walls of the base 9 and platform 8, respectively. This all adds to the attractiveness and appearance of the device, and the glass mirror top 22 provides a smooth surface on which the platform 8 is adap-ted to move about freely. Smooth rounded feet or pegs 26 projecting from the bottom of the platform 8 have antifriction slidable engagement on top of the base. A cam-shaped recess 21 is provided in the bottom of the platform 8 for cooperation with the arm I8. The latter has the free end thereof rounded, as indicated at 2S, for anti-friction sliding engagement along the irregularly profiled sides cf the recess 21, so as to move the platform intermittently from place to place on tcp of the base in the irregular and haphazard manner previously mentioned. In Fig. 3 the end of the arm I8 is indicated as moving in a clockwise direction and as having just passed a high point or hump a in the cam-shaped recess 21. The platform is therefore left standing in the position indicated in full lines. Inasmuch as the outer end 28 of the arm moves along the arc b-c, it

will come into Contact again with the side of the cam-shaped recess at the point d, and when that occurs the platform 8 will again be moved. Ultimately the end 28 of the arm will slide past the hump c of the cam-shaped recess 21 and accordingly leave the platform in a new position, indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3. The next movement occurs a few moments later when the end 28 of the arm I8 again encounters the side of the recess 21 at the point f. That movement, it should be apparent, will continue for a longer or shorter interval depending on hovv long the end 28 of the arm takes to ride past the next humpl g of the cam-shaped recess 21. It is obvious that the length of movement of the platformat any given point depends partly on how close the hump a, e, or g, that is being engaged, happens to be located at the time of contact to the shaft I1 and also at what angle the side of the hump to be engaged happens to be disposed with relation to the arm I8 at the time of engagement. The distance from d to e is slightly less than the length of the arm IB, and the distance from e to g is still shorter. The distance from a to g is only slightly greater than thev length of the arm I8. Hence the platform 8 cannot ever assume a position where the arm I8 could revolve without actuating the platform. It should also be evident from the fact that the arm I8 always turns in a clockwise direction and has sliding contact with the platform intermittently, the platform gradually is turned about itsy own axis in a clockwise direction in the course of its intermittent movements, which, of course, is highly advantageous.

The device shown in Figs. 4 and 5 is similar to that just described, and its movable platform has accordingly been numbered 8a and its base 9a. The drive mechanism is closely similar in this device, except that the gear Ilia provides a mounting for the actuating arm I8a, which is pivoted on the gear at its inner end, as indicated at Q9. A coiled tension spring 30 is attached at one end, at 3l, on the gear I6a and at its other end to an intermediate portion of the arm Ia. Due to theifact that the arm I8a moves in a clockwise direction in the turning of the ear I Ga, the spring 38 will be placed under tension when the roller 32 on the free end of the arm I8a comes into Contact with a side of the cam shaped recess 21a provided in the platform Ba. As soon as the pressure exerted on the outer end of the arm I8a is sufficient to overcome the resistance to movement of the platform Sa, the platform moves and the movement continues until the roller 32 rides off the hump ad, ce, or gg, as the case may be. In that way there is no sudden loading of the motor II and the movements of the platform are not so abrupt. Casters 33 provide anti-friction roller support for the platform Sc on the base 8a, so that it does not require much power to move the platform about. especially when the base 80. has a glass mirror top, as indicated at 22.

Movement of the platform 8a radially in any direction relative to the axial extension 34 of the driven shaft |10, is limited by longitudinally slotted links 35 pivoted at their outer ends, as at 36, in the underside of the platform at circumferentially spaced points. These links have their slotted inner ends 31 slidably and pivotally engaged on a collar 38, which, in turn, is freely rotatable on the upper end of the axial extension 34 of the driven shaft I1a. The slots 31 are. longenough to allow for the full range of safe movement which the arm |80, is adapted to give the' platform 8a, but on the other hand. are short enough to prevent the platform 8a. from ever moving to a position Where it projects too far bevond the base 9a and might lose its equilibrium. The links 35 slide freely enough with respect to one another so that the freedom of movement'- of the platform is not impaired.

In both devices herein illustrated, it is important to note that the drive mechanism I0 ls entirely divorced from the base 9 or 9a and rests on sound deadening and anti-slip rubber feet 40, so that there is no danger of the device operating noisily. In many other devices of this kind, where the hollow supporting base is used for support ofthe drive mechanism, the base serves as an objectionable noise amplifier.

It is believed the foregoing description conveys a good understanding of the objects and advantages of my invention. Ihe appended claims have been drawn to cover all legitimate modifications and adaptations.

I claim:

l. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flat topped support, a platform resting upon the support and movable freely on the top surface thereof in any direction, means providing a cam-shaped recess on the under side of said platform, drive means under said support, and a platform actuating arm revolved thereby above the support in a plane substantially parallel to the top surface thereof, said arm beingVVV disposed for substantially its full radial length Within the cam-shaped recess and adapted to have sliding contact with first one side and then another of the recess at various points in circumferentially spaced relation with respect thereto. whereby to move the platform intermittently and in an irregular manner, the platform being gradually turned about its own axis in the course of its intermittent movements.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flat topped support, a platform resting upon the support and movable freely on the top surface thereof in any direction, meansproviding a cam-shaped recess o-n the under side.

of said platform, drive means under said support, and a platform actuating arm revolved thereby above the support in a, plane substantially parallel to the top surface thereof, said arm having a cam follow'er on the outer end thereof movable in the cam-shaped recess and engageable with the sides thereof, rst here and then there, at various points in circumferentially spaced relation with respect thereto, whereby to move the platform intermittently and in an irregular manner, the platform being gradually turned about its own axis in the course of its intermittent movements.

3. A device as set forth in claim 2, including spring means between the drive means and revolving arm, arranged to be loaded when movement of the arm is resisted by reason of contact of the follower with the cam-shaped recess, whereby said platform is actuated resiliently.

4. A device as set forth in claim 2, including means for limiting movement of the platform radially in any direction with respect to the center of the support.

5. A device as set forth in claim 2, including means for limiting movement of the platform radially in any direction with respect to the center of the support, comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected at their outer ends to the platform at circumferentially spaced points with respect thereto and having longitudinally slotted inner ends disposed in crisscross relation, and a vertical stop member substantially centrally located with respect to the support slidably engaged in the slotted portions of said links.

6. In a device of the character described, a hollow substantially cylindrical base having a flat top surface and provided with a central top opening, said base being adapted to rest on a suitable support, a separate drive mechanism enclosed by the base but supported independently thereof on said support, a platform resting on said base and movable freely in any direction on the top surface thereof, means providing a camshaped recess on the under side of said platform, and an arm revolved by the drive mechanism relative to the top of said base in a plane substantially parallel to the top surface thereof and providing a cam follower movable in the cam-shaped recess on said platform for intermittent movement of the platform in an irregular manner, said arm being operatively connected with the drive mechanism through the aforesaid central top opening in said base.

7. A device as set forth in claim 6, including spring means between the drive means and revolving arm arranged to be loaded when movement of the arm is resisted by reason of contact of the follower with the cam-shaped recess, whereby said platform is actuated resiliently.

8. A device as set forth in claim, 6, including means for limiting movement of the platform radially in any direction with respect to the ceiter of the support.

9. In a device of the character described, a hollow substantially cylindrical base having a fiat top surface and provided with a central top opening, said base being adapted to rest on a suitable support, a separate drive mechanism enclosed by the base but supported independently thereof on said support, a display member resting on said base and movable freely in any direction on the top surface thereof, and an L-shaped arm for actuating said display member providing a substantially horizontal portion operatively associated with the display member and arranged to revolve in a plane substantially parallel to the top of said base, and a vertical portion extending downwardly through the aforesaid central top opening in the base and detachably connected with the drive mechanism.

l0. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flat topped support, a display member resting upon the support and movable freely on the top surface thereof in various directions, an internal cam on the bottom of said member, drive means under said support, and an actuating arm for said display member revolved by the drive means above the support in a plane substantially parallel to the top surface thereof, said arm being disposed for substantially its full radial length within the internal cam and adapted to have contact haphazardly with the cam at various points in circumferentially spaced relation with respect thereto, whereby to move the display member intermittently and in an irregular manner.

11. A device as set forth in claim 10, wherein the internal cam has generally arcuate-shaped portions of different radii, the arcs of which intersect at circumferentially spaced points, said points being so spaced that a circle including in its circumference the points of intersection is of a radius less than the radial length of the actuating arm.

12. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flat topped support, a display member resting upon the support and movable freely on the top surface thereof in various directions, an internal cam on the bottom of said member, drive means under said support, an actuating arm for said display member revolved by the drive means above the support in a plane substantially parallel to the top surface thereof, said arm being disposed for substantially its full radial length within the internal cam and adapted to have contact haphazardly with the cam at various points in circuinferentially spaced relation with. respect thereto, whereby to move the display member intermittently and in an irregular manner, and spring means between the drive means and the actuating arm arranged to be loaded when movement of the arm is resisted by reason of contact of the arm with the internal cam, whereby the display member is actuated resiliently.

13. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flat topped support, a display member resting upon the support and movable freely on the top surface thereof in various directions, an internal cam on the bottom of said member, drive means under said support, an actuating arm for said display member revolved by the drive means above the support in a plane substantially parallel to the top surface thereof, said arm being disposed for substantially its full radial length within the internal cam and adapted to have contact haphazardly with the cam at various points in circumferentially spaced relation with respect thereto, whereby to move the display member intermittently and in an irregular manner, and means for limiting movement of the display member radially in any direction with respect to the support.

14. In a device of the character described, the combinati-on of a nat topped support, a display member resting upon the support and movable freely on the top surface thereof in various directions, an internal cam on the bottom of said member, drive means under said support, an actuating arm for said display member revolved by the drive means above the support in a plane substantially parallel to the top surface thereof,

said arm being disposed for substantially its full radial length within the internal cam and adapted to have contact haphazardly with the cam at various points in circumferentially spaced relation with respect thereto, whereby to move the display member intermittently and in an irregular manner, and means for limiting movement of the display member radially in any direction with respect to the support, comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected at their outer ends to the display member at circumferentially spaced points with respect thereto and having longitudinally slotted inner ends disposed in crisscross relation, and a vertical stop member in fixed relation to said support slidably engaged in the slotted portions of said rings.

15; In a device of the character described, a hollow substantially cylindrical base having a flat top surface and provided with a central top opening, said base being adapted to rest on a suitable support, a separate drive mechanism enclosed by the base but supported independently thereof on said support, a display member resting o-n said base and movable freely in any direction on the top surface thereof, and an L-shaped arm for actuating said display member providing a substantially horizontal port-ion operatively associated with the display member and arranged to revolve in a plane substantially parallel t0 the top of said base, and a vertical portion extending downwardly through the aforesaid cene tral top opening in the base and detachably threadedly connected with a driven part of the drive mechanism, the threaded connection being of such hand in relation to the direction of turn. ing of the L-shaped arm, whereby to tend to tighten the connection in the actuation of the display member.

RUSSELL F. WHARTON. 

